Primaries: APC group criticizes Aiyedatiwa for sponsoring anti-NWC protests in Ondo

A coalition of stakeholders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have risen to the defense of the National Working Committee (NWC) over its decision to review the results of the party’s senatorial and House of Representatives primaries, describing the move as a necessary remedial measure to uphold the party’s constitution and integrity.

The group, which operates under the aegis of the Ondo APC Progressive Minds Alliance (OPMA), expressed support for the decision of the national leadership, which they said was taken in the best interest of the party and its electoral fortunes in the upcoming general elections.

The OPMA, which describes itself as a coalition of “progressive-minded stakeholders, loyal party members and believers in internal democracy,” has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing visionary leadership that has strengthened the internal mechanisms of the APC across the country.

The group also praised the APC National Chairman and Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda for their unwavering commitment to due process and respect for the party constitution.

OPMA Coordinator, Wole Ogunlade, said the group rejected the narrative propagated by some women and youths protesting in the state, insisting that the NWC acted within its constitutional powers in reviewing the results of the primary elections.

“The Ondo APC Progressive Minds Alliance salutes our respected National President, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, for his courage and integrity in ensuring that the party constitution is not subverted by any individual or group. We also congratulate our father and leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to the rule of law and internal party democracy.

“We are equally grateful to our illustrious son, the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose exemplary leadership continues to inspire us in Ondo State. His dedication to the ideals of the party and his respect for the authority of the NWC are qualities we deeply admire,” Ogunlade said.

The OPMA Coordinator, however, expressed dismay at what he described as the “unfortunate deployment of state resources” by the APC-led government in Ondo State to “falsely accuse and defame” the NWC and its leadership.

“It is very regrettable that the same party that controls the government in Ondo State has resorted to using the state machinery to defame the NWC and discredit its decisions. This is a dangerous precedent and a betrayal of the trust reposed in the party leadership.

“We have watched with concern the way government officials and state-sponsored individuals have been employed to create the impression that the NWC is acting arbitrarily.

“The truth, however, is that the NWC exercised its constitutional mandate only to hear appeals and ensure that the will of the people, expressed through primaries, was not subverted.”

The OPMA argued that the NWC’s decision to replace several Senate and House of Representatives candidates was based on credible appeals and evidence of irregularities, adding that the move would strengthen the party’s chances in the general election.

“We are not unaware of the fact that the review brought about important changes across the state. These changes were not arbitrary. They followed due process as prescribed by our party’s constitution. The NWC did not dictate to anyone; rather, it ensured that justice and fairness prevailed.”

The OPMA coordinator, who warned against what he termed “unpatriotic elements” attempting to cause disaffection within the party, urged aggrieved members to pursue their grievances through the party’s established channels rather than resort to public protests that could embarrass the party and Tinubu.

“Let us remember that we are all members of one family. The APC is bigger than any individual or group. We must not allow personal ambitions to destroy the party that has worked tirelessly to bring development to our state and country,” he added.

He insisted that the group would not be intimidated by the protest, saying that the OPMA was ready to undertake a state-wide campaign to educate party members about the benefits of the NWC’s decisions.

“We are fully mobilized and ready to counter any attempt to mislead our people. The OPMA will traverse all 18 local government areas of the state to ensure that party members understand the rationale behind the NWC’s decisions,” he said.

OPMA women’s leader Lolade Adubiaro also expressed disappointment with Monday’s protest, which she described as “an unfortunate distraction” orchestrated by those who lost the primary election.

“We APC women in Ondo State are firm supporters of the NWC. The so-called protest by some women and youths does not represent the true feelings of our members. We have followed the proper processes and are satisfied that the NWC has acted in the best interest of the party,” Adubiaro said.

“Those who took to the streets on Monday did not speak for us. We completely distance ourselves from their actions and statements. Our party is united and we will not allow some disgruntled elements to create an atmosphere of crisis.”

“We respectfully urge the Ondo State government to desist from using state resources to attack the NWC or any other ruling body of the party. This is not only divisive but is also counterproductive.

“The government should rather focus on ensuring good governance to the people of Ondo State rather than engaging in unnecessary political battles that can only weaken our party.”